How to Clean AirPods

The iPhone 7, introduced on September 7, 2016, had one big difference. It didn’t have the 3.5 mm jack for headphones. Instead, they offered a new device – AirPods, externally very similar to the usual EarPods, but without wires.

At first, many journalists and bloggers were very sceptical about the new gadget. They criticized the design of the charging case, tried to prove that the headphones would fall out of the ears and that they were unsuitable for doing sports or active lifestyle. But once AirPods started selling, they became a real hit in the world of wireless technology.

The new device quickly became popular. It proved to be ideal for every day listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. But in addition to the high price, the headphones and charging case have another drawback – they have a glossy white body, so they quickly get dirty.

Fortunately, the market offers a wide range of AirPods case covers that protect the glossy surface of the charging case from bumps, micro-scratches, and dirt. However, they are useless for the inside surface and headphones themselves.

How to clean the AirPods properly?

The official Apple website provides basic recommendations for cleaning branded gadgets. They recommend avoiding washing both headphones and charging case underwater; you can only wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. The loudspeaker grids and microphones should be cleaned with soft brushes or dry cotton pads without using any cleaning agents and detergents.

However, these methods are not very efficient. Here are some tips on cleaning AirPods. However, since the cleaning process uses the manufacturer’s prohibited hydrogen peroxide and medical alcohol, you can use these instructions at your sole risk. Make sure that no liquid gets into the headphones themselves or into the case where the charging ports are located.

What will you need to clean AirPods at home?

You will need cotton pads, cotton ear sticks, wipes, toothpicks, a soft toothbrush, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, and medical alcohol.

What to do to clean AirPods?

Pick up one of the headphones, gently flip the speaker grid down, and put it for a few seconds into a container with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Do it carefully so that the solution does not get into the earpiece.

Remove and shake the peroxide residue from the grid. Use a toothpick to gently remove the coarse deposits of sulfur of the speaker grid and headphones nearby. If necessary, you can use cotton buds, both dry and soaked in hydrogen peroxide.

Remove fine dirt on the speaker grid with a toothbrush. Try to do this as gently as possible, without pressing the toothbrush.

With the help of the toothbrush, clean the side grids, first with a cotton pad, slightly soaked in peroxide, and then with a dry wipe. Clean the body of the headphone and the foot in the same way.